Dublin Rebels 64- 0 Rhinos

Scoring Sequence:
First Quarter: (REB) Sam Hodgins, 10yd run, Barry Flinn 2xpt.
(REB) Dave O’Neill, 20 yd pass from Andrew Dennehy.
(REB) B Flinn, 30 yard pass from A. Dennehy, Kevin Finnegan 2xpt
(REB) K Finnegan, 8 yd run, Paul Smyth 2xpt

Second Quarter: (REB) Marcus Naylor, 13 yd INT return.
(REB) K Finnegan, 18yd pass from A Dennehy, B Flinn 2xpt
(REB) Paul Grogan, 10 yd run

Third Quarter: (REB) K. Finnegan, 7 yd run and 2xpt
(REB) Tom Berrigan, 30 yd pass from A Dennehy, S Hodgins 2xpt

Fourth Quarter: No Scoring

The Dublin Rebels swept aside an eager Rhinos team today in a convincing display marked by aerial prowess through the arm of Andrew Dennehy (and his embarrassment of riches at wide receiver), the power running of running backs Kevin Finnegan and Sam ‘Sunshine’ Hodgins and the dominating presence of one of the stingiest defences in the league. Indeed the defence recovered a fumble on the very first play, which set the tone for the rest of the match. On the resulting first offensive play, the Rebels scored when Hodgins ran in from 10 yards after his Offensive Line opened a big lane for him with some key blocks.

The Rebels machine roared on and the aggressive and rampant defence, anchored by big Steve Wilson and Conor Walsh on the interior Defensive Line, totally negated the Rhinos offense, despite some earnest scrambles by their elusive Quarterback. The excellent display by the Rebel’s secondary ensured that the Rhinos had only one first down in the first half, with prescient Defensive MVP, rookie Dave McKeating (who had two picks on the day) standing out in particular.
The scoring continued in the first quarter, after great running by Hodgins and Finnegan ensured quick drives to the red zone and a couple of scores. Andrew Dennehy, who had a great day at the office, hit O’Neill and Flynn for touchdown receptions. RB Finnegan converted the 2xpt for the latter. The first quarter ended, after another rushing touchdown through Finnegan, at 30-0 to the Rebels.

The second quarter began much as the first had ended. Early on, Rebels safety and defensive coach, veteran Marcus Naylor showed he still has plenty of gas left in the tank, when he leapt like a prowling ocelot and, with a superb one-handed catch, ran the ball back 13 yards for the touchdown. RB Finnegan and WR Grogan got two more scores to put the score, and the game, out of sight.

The Rhinos did inject a little more aggression and purpose to their game in the second half. Their defense forced a three and out after some good run stuffing tackles. The Rebels were able to give their rookies some valuable game time and indeed the rookies played very well. Gary O’Neill and McKeating had an interception each in the third quarter. RB Finnegan scored his third touchdown of the day after a 7-yard run and Dennehy threw a short pass to rookie Wide Reciever Tom Berrigan, who hauled in the catch and ran 30 yards to the endzone, eluding several Rhinos defenders, and scoring his first ever touchdown in the process.

With 40 seconds to play, McKeating’s second interception of the day was returned to the Rhinos’ 3-yard line. The Rebels kneeled out the clock to finish the game 66-0.

The game was played in a competitive spirit and the Rhinos did not give up the fight, even to the very end.

By Mick Finucane (Rebel #78/88)